What is Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

Ubiquinone, also called Coenzyme Q-10, is a coenzyme that is made naturally in the body.

Ubiquinone has been used in congestive heart failure, gum disease, and type 2 diabetes. It has also been used to replace low levels of ubiquinone caused by taking certain cholesterol medications.

Ubiquinone has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Ubiquinone may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

Ubiquinone has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Ubiquinone has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

Before taking ubiquinone, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have:

allergies (especially to plants);

diabetes; or

a blood (platelet) disorder.

Do not take ubiquinone without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether ubiquinone will be harmful to an unborn baby.

Do not take ubiquinone without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether ubiquinone will be harmful to a nursing infant.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I take Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

Ubiquinone has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

If you choose to take ubiquinone, use it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Take the ubiquinone capsule or tablet with a full glass of water.

Measure the liquid form ubiquinone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take disintegrating tablet, use dry hands to remove the tablet from the package, and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Do not take more of this product than is recommended. Too much medicine could be dangerous.

Store ubiquinone at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Keep the medicine bottle closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ubiquinone. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Consumer resources

Related treatment guides

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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